Katharine Bassett is a medical scientist in her mid-20's. She studied her undergraduate degree at the Australian National University, which is also where she is doing her PhD. Katharine's research for the last four years has focused on understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Wow! 

Read on to learn more about this incredible woman in science, and why she chose this path in life. 

Occupation:
Finishing up my PhD at the ANU (Immunology) and commenced at KPMG in January.

Why do you do what you do?
About four years ago, my sister was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. At the time, I was in the third year of my undergraduate degree and I was completing two immunology courses, and I found that studying immunology enabled me to better understand her disease and what she was going through. I then commenced an honours year to better understand autoimmune diseases and to contribute to research, however, throughout my honours year I was also diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and this was one of the motivators for me commencing my PhD. My eldest brother has also recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. So, essentially, I do what I do because me and my loved ones are affected by autoimmune diseases.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
I wanted to be a doctor - both my parents are doctors and I looked up to them.

If you could have anyone's job in the world, whose job would you choose and why?
Australia's Chief Scientist - I feel like I could positively influence Australia's direction and impact in science globally, with a strong focus on encouraging young girls and women to participate in STEM.

What is one thing people outside of your industry get wrong about your job?
I find that a lot of people outside of my industry think that the discoveries I find as a scientist are on a huge scale, when really they are just a small scale of a very large puzzle. I almost find that when I tell someone outside of my field about what I would consider a massive discovery or finding, they are a little bit disappointed as I still haven't cured all human immune-related diseases.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I have really enjoyed my time in research, however, I am actually making a career change to join the corporate world at the beginning of 2019. In 10 years time, I hope to find myself managing a large team of people, as this is something that I have loved doing over the last few years, whilst challenging myself and pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone to solve problems.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
I struggled to realize that a career in scientific research was not for me, and that my strengths actually lay in things like problem solving, writing, analysis and management of people, rather than laboratory work. My career, however, is only really beginning, so I am sure that there will be many struggles in the future!

And what about your biggest career win?
Apart from finishing my PhD, which is obviously a huge milestone, I was recently offered a position at KPMG in management consulting, which is really exciting and something I am really looking forward to.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
I think being told to just go with the flow and learn from all experiences, good or bad.

What about the worst piece of career advice?
I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who have generally given me good advice actually. I think being told to stick with something that made me incredibly unhappy was the worst career advice, as I think it is really hard to succeed at something that makes you unhappy.

What are you the most proud of?
I am most proud of finishing my PhD - it has been a long journey with lots of ups and downs and I am glad that I have made it out in the end.

Who motivates you the most?
My partner Jordan. We are pretty much a team when it comes to my career - he helps me practice before interviews, he reads my Honours and PhD thesis, and he has been there through all the tough times when I need motivation to pick myself up again.

What advice do you have for those looking for a career in your field?
As I am sort of between two careers, I would say overall that it is important to know your strengths and your weaknesses, and then find a supervisor or an organization that will utilize your strengths and invest time in working on your weaknesses. Don't settle for somewhere that doesn't value who you are.

When do you feel the most confident?
This is probably really silly and superficial, but when I am wearing high heels. For some reason, it makes me feel really confident. I always wear high heels when I am giving a presentation or seminar or attending an interview, for the extra boost of confidence.

How do you relax?
I like to bake or go for long walks withe my dog Paco.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: to learn Spanish.

Favourite way to sweat: hitting the gym.

Favourite book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck.

Morning bird or night owl? Morning person!

Favourite '90s jam: Ignition Remix - R. Kelly.

Favourite city: in Australia, Melbourne. In the world, Tokyo.

Spirit animal: a fox.

Get in touch with Katharine!
Instagram: @thepeppyscientist

​​Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself! ​​

Jessica Matlin is the beauty director at Harper's Bazaar and co-host and co-founder of Fat Mascara, the podcast about beauty. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and cat, Janetta. Jessica has been working in the beauty industry for 20 years, interning throughout college, and has always been obsessed with the business. She is also a huge animal advocate and spends some of her free time volunteering with the animal charity City Critters. Read below to see how Jessica has paved her own path in the beauty industry. 

Occupation:
Beauty director at Harper's Bazaar and co-host and co-founder of Fat Mascara.

Why do you do what you do?
I've always loved the glamour and creativity of the beauty industry, but moreover, how accessible it was. One could go to the counter or a spa and access a world that if done well, could inspire the same feeling of pampering and care that purchasing a $10,000 dress might give you. Also, the people in the beauty business are some of the most brilliant I've ever met: from makeup artists who can transform your look, to plastic surgeons who can rebuild your self-image, I'm truly in awe of the talent I get to meet every day.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
I knew I wanted to be in the fashion and beauty business.

If you could have anyone's job, whose job would you choose and why?
I'm not sure the perfect job exists anymore - I think you need to be creative and carve your own path.

What is one thing people out side of your industry get wrong about your job?
That beauty editors test products and treatments all day. If only!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
10 years ago, people weren't really talking about podcasts. Now I'm hosting Fat Mascara. It's hard to say what will happen 10 years from now, because media is changing so quickly.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
My biggest career struggle has probably been staying focused on what I'm good at. As media changes, it's tempting to want to focus your energies across lots of different platforms and do everything or be all things to all people, but that's not realistic. I think it's important to lean into what my strengths are and invest my time and energy in that, versus trying to be a little bit of everything.

What about your biggest career win?
Fat Mascara: we created an entirely new platform to talk about beauty and share brand stories. At the same time, we've grown a community of thousands who not only love the show, but are connected with each other.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
Don't worry about other people - stay in your lane, and keep going .

And the worst?
Your boss won't appreciate you doing outside projects. (I think the person who told me that was just being cautious and trying to make sure I didn't rock the boat at work, but at the same time, I think is a time to make sure you definitely have something else going on outside of the office. It's good for you, and will set you apart!)

What are you most proud of?
My work relationships and Fat Mascara.

Who motivates you the most?
I feel the same way about the business that I did when I was about 11, 12: I want to be a part of it. I want to talk to the best people. And, of course, I want to bring the most exciting news to my listeners and readers. I approach the industry as both an authority but also as a fan, and that's what keeps me going.

What advice do you have for those looking for a career in your field?
Seek the advice of people in positions that you'd like to be in, but make the most of their time. Don't just ask for broad advice; ask pointed questions or, if appropriate, a real favour.

When do you feel the most confident?
When I'm given autonomy.

How do you relax?
I love to get spa treatments (massages and facials are my favourite), but I also love chilling at home with my husband and cat, watching a movie, eating really good food. (My husband is a great cook!)

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: a new bed frame. I want to turn my bedroom into the ultimate cozy zone. 

Favourite way to sweat: Soul Flow Yoga at Equinox. The instructor, Leo Rising, is the best yoga teacher I ever had.

Favourite book: I love Augusten Burroughs. His writing makes me laugh. He's so terrible but honest.

Morning bird or night owl? Neither. 4pm is probably my best. Dying to be a morning person, though.

Favourite '90s jam: so many! A couple: Unbelievable by EMF is pretty solid for me.

Favourite city: London - easy.

Spirit animal: cat

Get in touch with Jessica!
Instagram: @jessicamatlin
Twitter: @jessicamatlin
LinkedIn: Jessica Matlin

​​Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself! ​​

Athena Brensberger was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. With a background in astrophysics, she conducted research on Proto-Planetary Disks at the Hayden Planetarium while starting her career in modelling. Athena felt like she was living two lives, the catwalk by day and the telescope by night. She was a runway-strutting, astrophysics researching human that felt like no mentor could prepare her for what laid ahead. Read below to see how Athena has navigated in her career and how she's managed to balance all her passions.

Occupation:
Model, actor, TV host, and science communicator.

Why do you do what you do?
It's very important to communicate the advancement of science to the public. To explain to people that don't entirely understand how things work in our modern-tech world in a way where they can understand and be excited about it all. In turn, this creates a society that is driven towards human advancement. The further we advance as a species, the closer we get to solving problems that we face today like disease, population growth and environmental changes.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
To be a dancer.

If you could have anyone's job in the world, whose job would you choose and why?
None. I don't really believe in "jobs" per say. I believe in doing bold things, taking big risks and working for yourself. I think working WITH people is important, but not FOR people. The idea of superiority should only be applied when an educational aspect is present, which sometimes is in the job force, but not often enough. I learn more when I have mentors rather than "bosses". I'd rather be the CEO of my own company than be the manager under someone else.

What is one thing people outside of your industry get wrong about your job?
Well, since I'm in multiple industries, A LOT. People outside modelling think we just play dress-up all day long, and those outside the TV industry think I'm filming every day. Those outside of the YouTube world think all I do is film myself in a selfie mode all day and those outside of science think I know everything in the world and that they will never be smart enough to compare or have a conversation with me.

People sometimes think those in the scientific community are closed off all the time and think we're better than everyone, but most of the time, we want to share and exchange knowledge with what we know and more importantly, what we DON'T know. We love to learn and can do so from absorbing others knowledge.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I haven't a clue. With a family. And I have no idea what my day to day will be.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
Mastering just one thing.

And what about your biggest career win?
Filming for the science channel.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
Test something out and if it works, great, if it doesn't, go elsewhere.

What about the worst piece of career advice?
Go for consistency.

What are you the most proud of?
My faith in God.

Who motivates you the most?
My best friend Anika Ahmed. She is the one person out of everyone I know that I have the deepest soul connection with. So, whether I'm watching her be the successful and powerful woman that she is, or listening to her words of encouragement that she gives me when I'm low, I can sky rocket to space when I'm around her. She has this magical essence about her that motivates me to be something incredible, to live fearlessly and she always knows how to remind me of my worthiness to the world when I feel completely worthless. She is my backbone and she gives me strength when I'm all out and running on empty.

What advice do you have for those looking for a career in your field?
Do research. Know what you are getting into. Then, be fearless and jump into it with all intentions of succeeding. When you fail, because it will happen, many, many times, let your feet do the leading and follow wherever the hell they go. Really. Even if you do this literally. Open your mind to the universe giving you the pathway and exit your door with an open mind and no plans, and just feel where you are called to. Left, right, into a store, out of the train... waste DAYS doing this. Because none of it will actually be a waste at all. Find yourself. This is how you figure out who you are, what your limits are and where you want to go.

When do you feel the most confident?
When I am surrounded by thousands of people. There's something about the crowd that CHALLENGES me to STAND OUT. It's like someone dares me to be confident and to push my shoulders back and say NONE OF YOU CAN GET THROUGH ME. I think growing up in NYC did this to me. And I love it.

How do you relax?
Deep breathing, preferably with lavender and tea tree oil. I love binaural beats or meditation music to help relax me.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: going to space.

Favourite way to sweat: a sweat session at ShapeHouse.

Favourite book: How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Morning bird or night owl? Morning.

Favourite '90s jam: Wanna Be by the Spice Girls.

Favourite city: Seoul, South Korea.

Spirit animal: a mythical flying Dragon.

Get in touch with Athena!
Website: astroathens.com
Instagram: @astroathens
Twitter: @astroathens

​​Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself! ​​

Abbi Miller is a yoga teacher turned productivity preacher, meeting you at the intersection between wellness and business. When she's not taking selfies at the grocery store with inanimate produce, she helps hustling honey's get "hecka healthy", in body-mind-biz (and bank). Abbi runs a holistic nutrition and yoga business for 11 years and she knows the self-employment juggle of feeling exhausted, hangry and face-palming every time you look at your to-do list. Abbi believes our wellness habits fuel our biz-mojo and learning how to self-boss is a big part of actually feeling like a "biz kween", instead of just playing one on Instagram. 

It's Abbi's mission to help you dodge burnout and get the good shit done. Through private coaching, public speaking, transformational events and luxury yoga retreats, she helps babes like you optimize your life so your health and biz basically flourish like a well-watered-chia-pet.

Occupation:
Holistic Nutrition + Biz Coach, aka Kween. 

Why do you do what you do?
Ultimately because I want more people to access their potential. And to see how they have everything that they need inside of them to be a super badass and healthy babe. I spent so much of my life hating my body and being totally broke. It's my mission to help you elevate what you think is possible and get outta your own way to manifest your dream life.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
Broadway Star! Fun fact, I was cast in a Broadway tour at age 19! Only took me 9 years to manifest!

If you could have anyone's job, whose job would you choose and why?
Honestly, my own. I've really cultivated the job of my dreams! That said, I wouldn't mind a collaboration with Ellen Degeneres, Dan Levy or Jen Gotch.

What is one thing people outside of your industry get wrong about your job?
They think I spend my life on sandy beaches and get my tan on. I mean, I do that, but beforehand there are a shit ton of spreadsheets!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Running my empire! I see myself continuing to lead a movement that guides women towards their dream life. I see myself erasing boundaries between what I want and what I fully embody. I see a thriving team, sunshine-soaked offices, and clients changing their lives after we co-facilitate a mega spark.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
Feeling appreciated. So much of entrepreneurship is sitting on your own, typing into your laptop. When I'm leading my yoga retreat in Greece, standing on stage speaking at an event, or leading a Biz Babe Ceremony, I feel lit up. In that moment, all the preparation is worth it. I crave even more of those moments.

And what about your biggest career win?
Just feeling like my work is working! I'm honoured to be so supported by return clients, my yoga retreats and Biz Babe events selling out, and getting to meet such incredible humans on the daily. Some days I wake up and am like, "this is my WORK!?!". Yup, feels damn good to live in my truth.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
Consistency is key. We all wanna be "discovered", but most over night successes have been at it for 10+ years. Keep showing up.

What about the worst piece of career advice?
My branding is too girly, or that I'm too diverse - I need to focus. The very nature of my work is about a holistic integration of all the ways we as humans are fed, nourished and inspired. When we look at the whole picture, and make changes from that perspective, real change happens!

What are you the most proud of?
What I've built. I've overcome trauma and deep depression from an assault. 10 years ago, I was sharing a futon with a best friend in our 1 bedroom to save money. I was run down and didn't know what to do. The thought of traveling and creating experiences for a living was such a dream. I didn't know how, but I knew I wanted it. I feel so grateful to all the people who have shown up when I've created. I feel proud of the courage it takes to truly act on the seeds planted inside of you - nobody can plant them but YOU. I've become quite the soul-gardener!

What motivates you the most?
Everything! People's stories. I cry most every time I listen to the Moth, or anyone sharing stories of their resilience. I'm in awe of our human family.

What advice do you have for those looking for a career in your field?
What other people do is interesting, but it doesn't matter. Your essence cannot be replicated. Your truth and story are what make you special, share them. Create from this place, and people will feel safe. When people feel safe, they trust you, and your career will grow. Integrity matters more than your resume. 

When do you feel the most confident?
Post-savasana or anytime I'm speaking or leading an event.

How do you relax?
Yoga, massages, reading, meditation, nature, and laughing with my man.

Any final words of advice?
Dr. Seuss said, "those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind". Tattoo that on your forehead.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: slow, sun-drenched mornings reading Mary Oliver. Meditations when I really feel things shifted. Skyping my niece.

Favourite way to sweat: tie between yoga and a hardcore HIIT/TRX class.

Favourite book: The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte. It changed my life.

Morning person or night owl? Morning! But if I don't guard it, I creep into night owl territory, which is just a sign that I'm not prioritizing self-care!

Favourite '90s jam: anything by Alanis Morrisette.

Favourite city: NYC.

Spirit animal: Cheetah.

Get in touch with Abbi!
Website: abbimiller.com
Instagram: @abbimillerholistic
Facebook: Abbi Miller Holistic Nutrition Yoga

​​Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself! ​​

Author of 17 books, producer of the only entertainment literary award show and owner of AAMBC Inc, the largest network of platforms and lifestyle brands serving literary creatives, culture lovers, and books, Tamika Newhouse is a force to be reckoned with. My love for books and culture drew me to her, and I knew I had to chat with Tamika about her career to date and her aspirations for the future. Read on to learn more about Tamika and her inspiring achievements to date. 

Occupation:
Writer and entrepreneur.

Why do you do what you do?
Simply said, writing chose me. I am what I am and I chose to walk in that and perfect it.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
Honestly, to be a track star in the Olympics.

If you could have anyone's job, whose job would you choose and why?
I would love Oprah's job because she continuously creates content and opportunities for creatives. I thrive on building networks for others to enjoy.

What is one thing people outside of your industry get wrong about your job?
That putting out a book is easy and that it can manifest into something great if they just make it available for purchase. But many writers fail to see themselves as an artist and drop the ball when it comes to marketing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'll have a global multi-million dollar brand, films in production, and a thriving book career.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
Balancing my entrepreneur goals and my artistry is hard. I work everyday to build platforms for others when I need a platform of my own. So I am often torn on the time that I give to myself to thrive.

And what about your biggest career win?
Single-handedly begin able to work freely and on my own schedule for over ten years now. That alone is successful.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
You are your best investment, so remember to take time out to push you forward.

What about the worst piece of career advice?
Putting out books back to back will get you paid. Never focus on the dollar signs when it comes to your artistry.

What are you most proud of?
Creating the AAMBC Awards and the book club AAMBC. It is very hard and a layered organization that requires a massive team to manage. I have been able to not only manage such a huge network but give people opportunities to earn money and become self efficient. 

What motivates you the most?
I like my time. I like to be home when I want to. My motivation truly is being able to control my days.

What advice do you have for those looking for a career in your field?
Always remember why you got started.

When do you feel the most confident?
When I completed my to-do list for the day I feel like Beyonce. It's hard to get through your to-do list because there are so many distractions in leadership.

How do you relax?
I sleep and eat and watch TV. I also go on dates as often as I can.

Final thoughts. 
Life is about choices and if you are unhappy, it's up to you to change that and nobody else. I often say, dream out loud. Your dreams shouldn't only be in your head. Take risks and make sure that when you open your eyes you see exactly what you imagined.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: financial freedom.

Favourite way to sweat: during sex.

Favourite book: All That and a Bag of Chips.

Morning bird or night owl? Night owl.

Favourite '90s jam: Superstar by Luther Vandross.

Favourite city: Washington, DC.

Favourite way to sweat: the wolf.

Get in touch with Tamika!
Website: tamikanewhouse.com
Instagram: @tamikanewhouse

​Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself! ​​